Finally, he had a day off.
He slept until the sun was high, heaving a contented sigh as he opened his eyes. Fingers traced along his scalp as he ran a hand through his hair, sitting up in bed with a small groan. He couldn't remember the last time he'd awaken feeling so thoroughly rested.
Donning plain black garments – save for the Uchiha fan between his shoulder blades and on the cuffs of the short sleeves – he left his bedroom and went downstairs into the main level of his home. At twenty-four he'd been living on his own within the compound for several years, finding it both liberating and a bit lonely to leave his brother and parents behind. Of course, at eighteen, Sasuke would soon be finding a house to call his own as well. Funny how time seems to be flying, Itachi thought to himself, tucking his hands into his pockets as he gazed out a window.
Breakfast was quick and simple, and from there he left his home behind, strolling along the compound's streets and nodding to his fellow Uchiha. Each smiled at him in return, greeting their heir with genuine respect and good will. Itachi had done much to bring honor and stability to their clan, and each member old enough to comprehend knew it well.
Feet gaining a mind of their own, Itachi let them lead him out into the main village, leaving the gate of his family's land behind. Crowds were thick in the markets as the mild summer day reached its peak, and he navigated among them gladly. Seeing such a normal and peaceful sight brought Itachi joy. His hard work as an ANBU was paying off to be able to observe the people of his village walking about so free of worry or unease. And though there were a few rumors as to his success, he preferred that most of his work was unknown behind his mask. Serving his village from the shadows suited him best – he was far too humble to want credit beyond a thankful nod.
The markets thinned as he wandered closer to restaurants and bars. A few noontime drinkers were singing and carrying on, much to the Uchiha's amusement, and he watched as a woman shooed them out the door and onto the street where they staggered. Their whereabouts didn't seem to kill their mood, and they kept walking and crowing until they were out of sight. Having paused to observe, Itachi was still close enough to hear as a burst of laughter escaped not far from his position.
Turning, he tried to find its source.
A small cafe across the street had several tables upon the sidewalk beneath its awning, with one of them occupied by three people. Not far off, a large white dog was laying in the shade.
Two males and one female were seated around the table, looking relaxed and in good humor. The bass of the men's laughter died down before the twinkling of the girl's, and Itachi watched as she hid her lips behind her hand politely. "K-Kiba kun, what a thing to say!"
"Hey, it wasn't my fault! Those special jounin squad leaders are a real riot when they go off-duty. Especially Kotetsu. Man, I'm glad he got promoted – give him a few cups of sake and you've got a show for the whole night!"
Shino tilted his head forward, pushing at the dark glasses that rested upon the bridge of his nose. "Such behavior is unbecoming of our superiors...but even I will admit it is good to see them let loose, especially after more difficult missions."
Hinata giggled again. "Anko san is the s-same way, though she sometimes doesn't refrain from such things while on duty. She certainly makes for an, um...i-interesting captain."
"Man, I wish I had Anko as captain for a mission or two – have you seen her ti-?"
"Oh, Itachi san!"
Kiba paused mid-word, hands brought up to cup his imaginary chest, and looked over as Shino did the same. The female had stopped him just in time with her outburst, mortified at his crude choice of conversation. Blushing in embarrassment, she stuttered, "U-um...it's...n-nice to see you!"
Itachi was grinning slightly, watching as Shino prodded Kiba into dropping his hands. "Hello, Hinata san – it's a pleasure to see you as well. Out for lunch with your old squad, I presume?"
Hinata was at a loss. She had just noticed the older man staring, and hadn't wanted him to overhear Kiba being so brash, especially when talking about one of their superiors. In truth, she had no idea what to say to him. Blinking and trying her best to think, she blurted, "I, I am! Would...would you like to join us?"
Both of her teammates glanced at her, Kiba's mouth gaping until Shino once again elbowed him harshly in the side, leaving him groaning in pain.
"I'm afraid I had a very late breakfast this morning, so I'm still quite full," Itachi replied, feeling more and more amused. "But I would gladly take a rain check if the offer still stands."
Hinata was becoming very flustered. Her cheeks were burning as she dug herself deeper and deeper, and she could feel her head becoming faint. "I...I would..."
"She would be delighted," Shino finally replied, stepping in to salvage the situation. He had very obviously left himself and Kiba out of the picture.
The Uchiha actually chuckled. "Well then, it's a date," he remarked, bowing slightly to the three of them. "Until then, Hinata san."
As he walked off, both Shino and Kiba looked back at their rather-perturbed teammate. "Oi, Hinata..." Kiba muttered, poking her and making her jump. "What the heck was that?"
"I...I have no idea..." she replied honestly, still sounding rather dazed.
"Well, it would seem you now have an appointment to keep," Shino added, again adjusting his glasses. "However, I think it would be bothersome if Kiba and I were to attend. I believe you have far more credit to dine with the Uchiha heir than us."
"Oi, what's that supposed to mean?" Kiba demanded, turning on the other male, who looked anything but intimidated.
"I mean that she is the heiress to another doujutsu clan," Shino replied lightly. "Thus, they would have far more in common. Besides, I think it would be far more appropriate to let Hinata handle this alone."
Kiba perked a brow, totally oblivious. "Huh?"
"...never mind. Pay your bill – we have a patrol shift in half an hour we must prepare for."
"But I'm not done eating yet!"
Hinata listened as the boys bickered, Shino eventually convincing Kiba to leave after stuffing several rolls in his pockets. She was smiling as she watched them go, noting for the umpteenth time that neither had changed since she'd met them. But her gaze was drawn to the corner where Itachi had stood, his form long gone from the sidewalk. Blushing lightly, she wondered, What have I gotten myself into?